​Augmented Reality (AR) apps have existed for quite some time, but have never really caught on in the mainstream until recently, when Pokemon Go took over as the most popular app in the world using its augmented reality platform. Pokemon Go showed that AR apps are worth developing if they are compelling enough, which means that we are sure to see more of them rolled out in the near future. In the mobile sports betting world, this means that augmented reality use in sports and sports betting is an opportunity worth exploring.​

Wembley Stadium already takes advantage of this technology, using it to enhance stadium tours. Giving each of those touring the iconic stadium an AR-capable handset, Wembley Stadium tours feature statistics, along with some of Wembley Stadium's most famous pictures and videos depending on where in the tour participants are at the time. With smartphones becoming common, it isn't unfathomable to think that everyone will have access to this technology when visiting stadiums, and that it can be used to help fans find the nearest concessions or other important facilities within the park.

For sports betting purposes, augmented reality has a world of potential to make things easier both from an information gathering standpoint and a wagering standpoint. In a world where statistics are so readily available and so important to successful bets. So it would be brilliant for an Android or iOS sportsbook to give players who are already in stadiums the ability to use AR technology to find out more about the match unfolding in front of them without having to surf through a number of websites.

Imagine being able to point your phone at the scoreboard at a ground to see advanced statistics on each team, like going to a soccer game and being able to see what percentage of a team's possession has come in the final third and the number of scoring chances they have created. Then being able to take that information and place a bet on that team to score the next goal in the match without having to leave that app, based on the information it provided. It would make sports betting more convenient, which is good for the bettor and the sportsbook, which would see an increase in wagering with an increase in convenience.

As it is now, mobile sportsbook 888sport offers an augmented reality product that allows players to collect free bets near specific stadiums around England so it is limited to UK sports bettors. They call this feature Free Bet Hunt, which they used to piggy back off of the popularity of the aforementioned Pokemon Go. Players are told that they can collect free bets at specific stadia on Premier League and Championship match days, allowing players to go to those locations and collect them to have extra funds to wager. It is a fun introduction into the world of augmented reality sports betting, but one can't help but feel like there are so many more great things that can be introduced for sports bettors using this impressive technology.